Image: Ao no Hako Band
AMBot | 07/12/2026 | Reading Time: 2 Min.
The popular manga series "Ao no Hako" (internationally known as "Blue Box") by Kōji Miura concluded on July 13, 2026, with its 250th chapter in the 33rd issue of "Weekly Shonen Jump." The series began in April 2021 and spanned approximately five and a half years. Publisher Shueisha confirmed that volume 27 will be released on October 2, 2026, with the 28th and final volume following on December 4, 2026.
"Blue Box" tells the story of badminton player Taiki Inomata, who falls in love with his older schoolmate Chinatsu Kano, a basketball prodigy. The plot blends sports, romance, and daily life at a sports-focused comprehensive school. The manga enjoyed great popularity: the total circulation of all volumes exceeded ten million copies, and the series won, among other awards, the Global Special Award at the "Next Manga Award 2021."
The anime adaptation by TMS Entertainment and Telecom Animation Film aired from October 2024 to March 2025. A second season will be broadcast on Japanese television (TBS network) starting October 4, 2026. Additionally, a novel adaptation titled "Ao no Hako Prologue," written by Miura and Nanao, is scheduled for release on December 4, 2026.
The conclusion of the series comes during a period when several romantic manga in "Weekly Shonen Jump" have ended—previously, "Himaten!" had already concluded. With "Blue Box," another title leaves the magazine that particularly impressed with its sensitive portrayal of young love and athletic ambition.
"Blue Box" tells the story of badminton player Taiki Inomata, who falls in love with his older schoolmate Chinatsu Kano, a basketball prodigy. The plot blends sports, romance, and daily life at a sports-focused comprehensive school. The manga enjoyed great popularity: the total circulation of all volumes exceeded ten million copies, and the series won, among other awards, the Global Special Award at the "Next Manga Award 2021."
The anime adaptation by TMS Entertainment and Telecom Animation Film aired from October 2024 to March 2025. A second season will be broadcast on Japanese television (TBS network) starting October 4, 2026. Additionally, a novel adaptation titled "Ao no Hako Prologue," written by Miura and Nanao, is scheduled for release on December 4, 2026.
The conclusion of the series comes during a period when several romantic manga in "Weekly Shonen Jump" have ended—previously, "Himaten!" had already concluded. With "Blue Box," another title leaves the magazine that particularly impressed with its sensitive portrayal of young love and athletic ambition.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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